Fallen quite spectacularly off the running wagon... Keen to get back on, but really struggling... can any of you help?! Please?

[blondie1912]

So, this year started really well, when I gave up smoking and started on the C25K programme. I had some set-backs with the running, including a week off with flu, and another with an infected wisdom tooth and subsequent blood poisoning, but each time I repeated the previous week and cracked back on with it. I finally got to week 8, which I joyously completed, then disaster struck. I got made redundant, and started smoking again. I carried on the running, but really half-heartedly and sporadically. I just had too much on my plate, and sadly it was the running that took the hit.

So now I find myself not having run since Easter weekend, and signed up to a 10k at the end of the month - it just seems an impossible task to get my fitness up enough to be able to do a 10k, and I don't know where to start! I don't have time to start from scratch, so was wondering if anyone has had similar experiences and can recommend a good point to pick it back up?

Any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated!

Best wishes and crossed fingers, Blondie xx

[RhonaL]

Not surprised running took the hit. You have had a hell of a lot to deal with. I can't give any advice about 10k but what I would say is that you are obviously a very resilient, determined lady. Good luck building up to the 10k. Hope others can be more practical help and please keep blogging.

[Greg_M Graduate]

No specific experience I am afraid but Easter weekend wasn't so long ago really, you might surprise yourself.

You have done it before so you know you can do it this time round. I might be inclined just to go out and see what I can do, strange as it may sound Wk5 R3 would be my choice I think.

You already know you could run 28 minutes so it is a step down allowing for the break but substantial enough to be a good tester.

I suspect you'll be just fine

[blondie1912]

Rhona and Greg, thank you both so much for your encouragement!

I've been very tired this evening, so am heading for an early night, and hope to dig myself out of bed for an early morning run tomorrow... I have a very busy weekend ahead, so I'd like to try and get over the mental hurdle and get back out there, sooner rather than later.

Hopefully I'll update you with good news tomorrow!

Thanks again

[BTX4 Graduate]

Good luck. You will feel so much better when you get back running....

Just remember to take it very easy and listen to Laura

Let us know how you get on.

[CathCakes Graduate]

The very fact that you've come back to this site is the first step in the right direction - good on you! I think I would agree with Greg and suggest going back to week 5, and build up from there. Very best of luck, you're doing great.

[PatButcher Graduate]

Wow what a lot to think about, Don't worry about your running too much, you will be surprised how quickly your fitness returns. Start at week 5/6 and go from there, You are obviously a strong woman so you can do it Good luck and keep us posted x

[blondie1912]

Thank you so much!

I managed Week 6 Run 1 yesterday morning, so that's a good start... just need to keep going now! I did forget to stretch down properly though (more fool me - I should know better!), so am feeling it a bit today, but should be OK for tomorrow's run. Hope that's not famous last words! x